Electrical connector having pressure contacts

Abstract

An electrical connector having a socket provided with pressure contacts. A plug is provided which is at least partially inserted in the socket. The connector is provided with a latching mechanism formed of a hook provided on the plug or socket which engages a spur provided on the socket or plug, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the socket. Either the socket or the plug, or both, are provided with at least one hump which projects from an interior surface of the plug or an exterior surface of the socket.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electrical connector having pressure contacts, comprising a socket provided with pressure contacts biased in an axial direction of said contacts, a plug adapted to be inserted, at least partially in said socket, said socket and said plug having a longitudinal axis when connected together, and latching means for attaching said socket and said plug, comprising a hook provided on one of either said socket or said plug, said hook adapted to be in contact with a spur provided on either one of said plug or said socket of said connector, said latching means being located on an outer surface of said connector wherein staid plug and/or said socket comprise at least one hump which projects slightly with respect to an exterior smooth mating surface of said plug or an interior smooth mating surface of said socket, said at least one hump contacting said smooth mating surface of said plug or socket, respectively, when said plug is inserted in said socket, said at least one hump being adapted to substantially prevent misalignment of said plug and said socket with respect to said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said one or more humps of said socket and/or said plug are positioned in a plane, passing through a longitudinal axis of said plug and of said socket substantially through said latching means. 
     
     
       3. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said one or more humps of said socket and/or said plug is provided towards a posterior portion thereof which is inserted in said socket and on a side common to said latching means. 
     
     
       4. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said plug is provided with at least one of said humps towards an anterior portion which is inserted in said socket and on a side diametrically opposite with respect to said latching means. 
     
     
       5. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said socket is provided with at least one of said humps towards an anterior portion, in which is inserted said plug an on a side common to said latching means. 
     
     
       6. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said socket is provided with at least one of said humps towards a posterior portion in which is inserted said plug and on a side diametrically opposite to said latching means. 
     
     
       7. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said pressure contacts are biased in said axial direction toward an end in which is inserted said plug. 
     
     
       8. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said pressure contacts are adapted to exert a pressure against pins of said plug when inserted in said socket. 
     
     
       9. An electrical connector comprising: a socket provided with a plurality of pressure contacts and means for biasing said pressure contacts in an axial direction of said contacts;   a plug provided with a plurality of pins, said plug adapted to be inserted in said socket, said socket and said plug having a longitudinal axis when connected;   means for latching said plug and said socket together, located on an outside surface of said connector;   at least one hump formed on at least one of either an exterior smooth mating surface of said plug or an interior smooth mating surface of said socket, said hump being adapted to oppose said smooth mating surface thereby substantially preventing misalignment of said plug and said socket with respect to said longitudinal axis.   
     
     
       10. An electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein said means for biasing is a helicoidal spring. 
     
     
       11. An electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein said latching means further comprises a hook pivotably mounted on said socket and a spur provided on said plug, said hook adapted to engage with said spur when said plug is inserted in said socket. 
     
     
       12. An electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein said at least one hump is positioned in a plane which passes through a longitudinal axis of said plug and said socket, and substantially through said latching means. 
     
     
       13. An electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein said at least one hump of said socket and/or said plug is provided towards a posterior portion thereof which is inserted in said socket and on a side common to said latching means. 
     
     
       14. An electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein said plug is provided with at least one of said humps towards an anterior portion which is inserted in said socket and on a side diametrically opposite with respect to said latching means. 
     
     
       15. An electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein said socket is provided with at least one of said humps towards an anterior portion, in which is inserted said plug an on side common to said latching means. 
     
     
       16. An electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein said socket is provided with at least one of said humps towards a posterior portion in which is inserted said plug and on a side diametrically opposite to said latching means.